Devices for water treatment

ABSTRACT

A device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and a moss contained within the interior cavity in which the carrier completely encloses the moss.

This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No.60/562,196, filed Apr. 14, 2004, the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for water treatment, and in particularrelates to devices comprising sphagnum moss.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of water treatment systems, such as filtration andcleaning systems for swimming pools and aquariums. Many of these systemsfilter the water to remove suspended matter and reduce the cloudyappearance of the water. Preventing bacterial growth in water andremoving contaminants from water are significant industrial, as well ashousehold, problems. For example, industrial effluent should be cleanedto remove toxic compounds as well as to remove bacteria before it isdumped into lakes and rivers. Containers of water such as swimmingpools, hot tubs, aquariums and the like must be kept clean to preventthe water from becoming cloudy and/or the container walls from becomingslimy. The water may be treated by active means such as a filter toremove particles and bacteria, and it may also be treated by passivemeans whereby a biocide is placed in a container and floated in thewater.

It is common to use chemical means to keep the water clean and reducegrowth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Ultraviolet light,chlorination, bromination, treatment with ions of copper and silver aswell as treatment with ozone can be used to treat and/or disinfectwater. These are typical biocides, that is, substances or energies thatdestroy living organisms. Of course care must be taken with all thesemethods because of the possible toxicity or damage to the user.Chemicals require careful handling to avoid environmental contaminationas well as contact with the user.

“Sphagnum moss” is a generic expression that designates a range ofbotanical species that co-exist in a sphagnous bog. It should be notedthat “peat moss” refers generally to a decomposed or composted sphagnummoss. Sphagnum moss is commonly harvested for use in various products.The petals, and not the stems, of the moss preferably may be harvested.Typically large pieces of plant material (roots, twigs, etc.) areremoved and the moss may be processed further after harvesting byforming an aqueous slurry to extract very fine particles. Water isremoved from the slurry and the moss is dried. The moss may becompressed prior to packaging or shipment. Various additives may be usedto alter the absorption characteristics or mechanical properties of themoss. Because sphagnum moss is readily available and relativelyinexpensive, it has been used in a variety of products, primarily forthe absorption of fluids.

There is substantial need in the art for products that inhibit thegrowth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and algae. It would bedesirable to have a means to maintain the clarity of water in a swimmingpool, whirlpool bath, aquarium, and the like, for long periods of time,without shutting a system down for cleaning. The most desirable systemwould require very little maintenance and would be relativelyinexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a device for use in water comprising: (i) acarrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss.

The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growthcomprising placing in water susceptible to bacterial growth a device forinhibiting microorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i) acarrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss, and wherein the device comprises an amount of themoss effective to inhibit microorganism growth in the water.

The invention provides a kit comprising sterilized, non-decomposed mossand a device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interiorcavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from theinterior cavity, wherein the interior cavity can completely enclose themoss.

The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growthcomprising placing in water susceptible to microorganism growth a devicefor inhibiting microorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i)a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss, wherein the device comprises an amount of the mosseffective to inhibit microorganism growth in the water, and periodicallyshocking the water with an appropriate chemical agent.

The invention provides a method of treating water comprising placing inwater a device comprising: (i) a carrier having an interior cavity andone or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interiorcavity; and (ii) a moss contained within the interior cavity, whereinthe carrier completely encloses the moss, and wherein the devicecomprises an amount of the moss effective to remove cations other thanhydrogen ions from the water.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the deviceof this invention. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view, and FIG. 1Cillustrates a cross-sectional view along line C-C of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of thedevice of this invention and FIG. 2B shows a side view of the moss usedwithin the device shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of thedevice of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

We have discovered species of sphagnum moss that can be used to treatwater such as in a swimming pool, spa, aquarium, whirlpool, and thelike. It is believed that particular species of moss are particularlyeffective at inhibiting and/or preventing the growth of bacteria andother microorganisms.

In this invention, “bacteriostatic” refers to a material that inhibitsthe growth of bacteria. In common lexicography, the term “antibacterial”generally refers to a bacterial growth inhibitor. Both terms should bedistinguished from “bactericidal” which refers to materials that killbacteria upon contact.

In this invention, “water treatment” refers to a process by which wateris kept clean, clear, and pleasant smelling in swimming pools,aquariums, spas, and the like. Spas are also known as whirlpools or hottubs. When the water is agitated, less foaming is observed. The moss isbelieved to inhibit growth of bacteria and other microorganisms and italso may absorb compounds and substances that decrease water clarity.

In this invention, sphagnum papillosum (S. papillosum) and/or sphagnumcristatum (S. cristatum) can be used in water treatment devices. Inpreferred embodiments, the moss is enclosed or encapsulated in a meshmaterial that prevents the moss from disintegrating in an aqueousenvironment. Thus the moss can be held in a desired place in a pool, hottub, whirlpool bath, and the like. Preferred mesh materials includethose comprising polymers such as nylon or polypropylene, with meshsizes ranging from about 0.1 to 1 mm. Polymers are generally preferredbecause they are inexpensive and may be resistant to degradation.

Suitable for use in this invention are S. papillosum, which can beharvested from bogs in northern Minnesota, U.S.A., and S. cristatum,which is commercially available as a compressed bale from Sutton's Mossof Dobson, Westland, New Zealand. These species of moss can be used bythemselves or together in the devices and systems of this invention.Typically and preferably the moss is cleaned to remove small particles,such as dirt, and larger debris, such as roots and leaves. Commerciallyavailable moss may be fumigated before it is packaged by a manufacturerin order to destroy seeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the moss is cut by mechanical means into adesired size and shape. The moss preferably is then sterilized byautoclaving, exposure to ethylene oxide, or by other means known to oneof skill in the art. Sterilization destroys living organisms in the mossand thus avoids any problems of undesirable or foreign bacteria beingintroduced into the environment where a device of this invention isused. The moss is then ready for use in a water treatment system orother applications.

We have found that a convenient, easy, effective, and inexpensive way oftreating water is to place a portion of S. papillosum or S. cristatum ina floatation device that permits water to flow around and through themoss. Another way to use it is to encapsulate it in mesh and weight themesh so that the moss will remain in the water. Any suitable means thatwill maintain contact of the moss with water is suitable for use. Thisdevice is then placed in the swimming pool, whirlpool, hot tub, etc.,where it can come into contact with the water. We have found thattreatment is remarkably effective in preventing growth of microorganismsand in keeping the water clean, clear and free of odor and foam. This isall the more remarkable because this is a passive system when comparedto a filtration system which forces water through the moss. Of course itis to be understood that active filtration could be done with the deviceof this invention to treat the water.

When used in swimming pools, hot tubs, and the like, the water treatmentdevices described herein are preferably used in conjunction withmaterials that kill microorganisms. This is because these environmentsmay have large loads of microorganisms, particularly bacteria,introduced at various times. Accordingly, standard practice is to filterthe water, flush water lines, and test the water as necessary. The pHcan be adjusted by using commercially available solutions. The watertreatment devices of this invention are most desirably used inconjunction with an oxidizer, such as potassium monopersulfate, referredto as “chlorine free shock”. Potassium monopersulfate is known toincrease the efficiency of chlorine purification products, but we havefound that it is also particularly effective when used with the sphagnummoss devices described above.

The sphagnum moss of this invention can be used in any composition,material, device, or method where the inhibition of bacteria isdesirable. Uses include the inhibition of microorganism growth, thereduction and/or prevention of odors, water treatment, and control ofmold and fungal growth; and control of fermentation. Such devices andmaterials include absorbent products, such as diaper liners, femininehygiene products, bandages, and wound dressings. In such products, themoss can be enclosed between membranes of differing liquid transmissioncharacteristics. That is, for example, one membrane may be permeable tofluid and another membrane may be permeable to vapor. The moss can beincorporated into polymers and used as face masks. The moss can beencapsulated in membranes and used in food preservation products such aspackaging wraps and liners to absorb liquid and odors. The moss can beused in water treatment products to keep water clean in storage tanks,aquariums, swimming pools, whirlpool baths, spas, and the like, as wellas in water filtration devices. The moss can be used for waste water andsewage treatment. The moss can be shaped into, for example, discs orpellets, and used to absorb water from grain and other food products.The moss also can be used for fermentation control (such as in liquidsor grains). The moss can be used for the control of fungal or bacterialdiseases in lawns and gardens. The moss can be used for mold controlproducts such as in storage containers or ductwork linings.

The invention provides a device for use in water comprising: (i) acarrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss. The carrier can comprise a float. The carrier cancomprise a float and a cylindrical portion beneath the float, thecylindrical portion having an interior cavity and one or more openingsallowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity. The moss can beenclosed within a mesh bag. The carrier can comprise one or moreweights.

The moss can be non-decomposed moss. The moss can be sphagnum moss. Themoss can be selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum,sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof. The moss can be compressed andcan be in the form of strips. The moss can be sterilized by autoclaving,sterilized by chemical treatment, or sterilized by treatment withethylene oxide. The moss can be washed with an acidic solution,especially a solution of acetic acid. The moss can be washed with anacidic solution and then washed with a salt solution.

The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growthcomprising placing in water susceptible to microorganism growth a devicefor inhibiting microorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i)a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss, and wherein the device comprises an amount of themoss effective to inhibit microorganism growth in the water. The watercan be in a spa, pool, or aquarium. The water can be pumped through thedevice.

The invention provides a kit comprising sterilized, non-decomposed mossand a device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interiorcavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from theinterior cavity, wherein the interior cavity can completely enclose themoss. The kit can comprise one or more pH test strips and/or potassiummonopersulfate.

The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growthcomprising placing in water susceptible to microorganism growth a devicefor inhibiting microorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i)a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss, wherein the device comprises an amount of the mosseffective to inhibit microorganism growth in the water, and periodicallyshocking the water with an appropriate chemical agent. The chemicalagent can be potassium monopersulfate.

The invention provides a method of treating water comprising placing inwater a device comprising: (i) a carrier having an interior cavity andone or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interiorcavity; and (ii) a moss contained within the interior cavity, whereinthe carrier completely encloses the moss, and wherein the devicecomprises an amount of the moss effective to remove cations other thanhydrogen ions from the water. The cations can be calcium or iron ions,and substantially all of the calcium or iron ions can be removed fromthe water. The moss can be compressed and can be in the form of strips.The moss can be sterilized by autoclaving, sterilized by chemicaltreatment, or sterilized by treatment with ethylene oxide. The moss canbe washed with an acidic solution, especially a solution of acetic acid.The moss can be washed with an acidic solution and then washed with asalt solution. The water can be in a spa, pool, or aquarium.

FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate a suitable device of this invention. FIG. 1Ashows device 10 floating in water and FIGS. 1B and 1C shows side andcross sectional views, respectively. Device 10 is adapted to receive asegment of compressed sphagnum moss 15 that has been cut into a desireddimension. The moss is shown in phantom in FIGS. 1A and 1B. A convenientdimension for the moss used in device 10 is about 6×¼×¼ inches(15.2×0.63×0.63 cm). A piece of moss this size weighs about 5 grams.Moss 15 is enclosed in nylon mesh 16, sized to permit the compressedmoss to expand. The mesh size is such that it will retain even smallparticles of moss and prevent it from breaking apart and floating away.

Device 10 comprises a plastic material that is impact resistant, doesnot dissolve in water, and can be shaped into a desired shape. Device 10is commercially available as a “floater” from MP Industries ofHuntington Beach, Calif. It should be noted that floaters of this typeare commonly used with pellets or discs of pool cleaning agents, such asthose containing chlorine. Device 10 has been adapted for use withsphagnum moss by adding holes to facilitate passage of water into thedevice.

Device 10 comprises float portion 20 and flow through portion 30. Floatportion 20 is cylindrical, and may be any desired dimension, thoughtypically it is larger in diameter than flow-through portion 30. Auseful dimension for the float portion is about 5 inches (12.7 cm) indiameter.

Flow-through portion 30 is a two-part elongated cylinder having core orhollow center 32. First part 33 is attached to floatation portion 20 andis provided with screw threads onto which second part 35 affixes. Inthis way the length of the flow-through portion can be changed. Secondpart 35 is fixed in position by means of adjustable collar 34. Secondpart 35 also has removable cap 37, which is weighted so that device 10floats in the water as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Slots 38 and holes 39 permit water to flow through the cylinder. Theslots and holes may be any desired dimension and can be positioned asdesired. A useful length of the flow through portion is about 7 inches(17.8 cm). Cap 37 is removable so that the desired size of the sphagnummoss can be inserted into portion 30. Once exposed to water, thecompressed moss expands. The density of expanded moss is such that watercan permeate it. Device 10 is sufficient to treat up to about 500gallons of water (for example, in a whirlpool or spa) for up to 30 days.

FIG. 2A illustrates device 50 floating in water. Device 50 comprisescylindrical portion 60 having core or hollow center 62. Slots 64 andholes 66 permit water to enter the hollow center. Moss 55, shown inphantom in FIG. 2A, is encapsulated by mesh 52, as most clearly shown inFIG. 2B. The moss expands when in contact with the water, filling hollowcenter 62. Cylindrical portion 60 is shown sealed at one end, withremovable cap 57 at the other end. Cap 57 may be weighted so that themaximum length of device 60 stays in contact with the water.

FIG. 3 shows device 70 attached to wall W of a swimming pool, aquarium,hot tub, or the like. Moss 75 is encapsulated by mesh 72 and the mesh isaffixed to bracket 77. The mesh is of a sufficient size that particlesor fragments of moss will stay within the mesh. The bracket hangs fromthe wall and the device can remain fixed at this location.Alternatively, device 70 could lie on the bottom of the pool or tub. Itcould be affixed there or could be held down by a weight. It could alsobe placed in-line with a filter.

EXAMPLES Example 1

S. papillosum moss, harvested from northern Minnesota, and was preparedfor bacterial inhibition testing. The moss species was validated by theUniversity of Minnesota and again upon receipt.

All samples were placed in plastic bags. All raw moss was stored at 4°C. until processed by lab personnel. All pre-dried outside moss sampleswere stored at room temperature until processed.

The following equipment was used:

-   -   a) Blender, 1.25 L capacity (commercially available as        Osterizer® from Oster)    -   b) Distilled Water (available from Premium Water, Inc.)    -   c) Tissue Sieve, 1 cup capacity (commercially available as        Cellector® E-C Apparatus Corp.)    -   d) 1 L Glass Beaker (commercially available as Pyrex®)    -   e) Sterile Polystyrene Petri Dishes 100×15 mm (commercially        available from Falcon)    -   f) Sterile Polystyrene Petri Dishes 150×15 mm (commercially        available from VWR)    -   g) Autoclave (commercially available from Market Forge)    -   h) Metal Lab Scoop (16.5cm)/commercially available as Adison        Tissue Forceps from VWR)    -   i) Laminar Flow Hood (commercially available from Baker)        Procedure:    -   1) Raw moss was taken out of the bag by hand and picked clean of        any visible, roots, leafs and debris and placed in the blender.        The blender was then filled with moss until it reached        approximately the 1 L mark.    -   2) The blender was then filled with 1 L of distilled water and        shaken manually with the lid on for 30 seconds and drained to        remove any remaining dirt and debris. The process was repeated 2        more times to thoroughly wash the moss.    -   3) The blender was then filled with distilled water again and        the moss was blended using the pulse mode on settings 4 and 5        for 30 seconds each until the moss was homogeneous throughout        the sample.    -   4) The blender was then drained of water. Any remaining water        was then squeezed out by hand from the moss using the tissue        sieve. The squeezed moss was then placed in a clean 1 L beaker.        Steps 1 to 4 were repeated until the 1 L beaker was filled with        processed moss. The beaker was then autoclaved for 20 minutes at        121° C. at 15 psi (103.4 MPa) using the liquid setting and        allowed to cool at room temperature.    -   5) Once cooled, the moss was brought to the laminar flow hood        and carefully placed in labeled, pre-weighed Petri dishes using        a sterile lab scoop and forceps. Special care was taken not        contaminate the moss and to pack each dish in a uniform manner.        Once packed, the dishes remain uncovered for at least 72 hours        until the moss was dry. The dried dishes were covered and kept        in the flow hood until used.

Example 2

S. cristatum moss, obtained from Sutton's Moss, Canada, (harvested inNew Zealand) was prepared for bacterial inhibition testing. The mossspecies was validated upon receipt. Handling of the moss samples wasidentical to that described above in Example 1.

The following equipment was used:

a) Sterile syringes, individually wrapped 30 cc or 60 cc (commerciallyavailable from Becton Dickenson)

b) Sterile syringe filters, 0.45 μm (micrometer) and 0.20 μm(commercially available as Acrodisc from Pall Gellman)

c) Adison tissue forceps (commercially available from VWR)

d) 50 cc polypropylene graduated test tubes, sterile pack (commerciallyavailable from Falcon)

e) Wax film (Parafilm®, commercially available from American NationalCan)

f) Laminar flow hood (commercially available from Baker Company)

g) Pipetman with sterile graduated polypropylene tips, 25 mL(commercially available from Becton Dickenson)

h) 10 M HCl and 10 M NaOH

i) pH Meter (commercially available from Beckman Omega 40)

Reagents and Solutions Preparations: (Depending on liquid used fortreatment)

a) Bacto™ Tryptic Soy Broth, 30 g/L (Becton Dickenson)/MEM-Alpha (Gibco)

b) Phosphate Buffered Saline (1×), pH 7.1 (commercially available fromGibco™)

c) HPLC Grade Water (commercially available from J. T. Baker)

Procedure

a) All liquids used for treatment were either autoclaved or filtersterilized and stored at a proper temperature prior to use in thisprotocol. All treatment steps were done with in the laminar flow hoodusing aseptic technique. Tissue forceps used were autoclaved prior touse.

b) After weighing the dried moss, the treatment liquid was pipetted intothe Petri dish at a concentration of one milliliter of treatment liquidto every 50 mg dried moss. If a concentration other that 50 mg/mL wasused, the process changed accordingly.

c) The Petri dish of moss was wrapped in wax film (Parafilm®) andrefrigerated at 4° C. for one hour.

d) The Petri dish was removed from the refrigerator and the moss wasscooped and packed into a 30 cc or 60 cc syringe using sterile tissueforceps. The plunger of the syringe was re-inserted and the liquid wassqueezed into a sterile 50 mL polypropylene test tube until all possibleliquid was extracted.

e) The treatment liquid was filtered through a 0.45 μm syringe filter,then a 0.2 μm syringe filter and stored at 4° C. until used.

f) Filtered samples were pH adjusted using 1.0 M HCl/NaOH and sterilefiltered with a 0.2 μm syringe filter and stored again at 4° C. untilused in the bacteria inhibition assay.

Example 3

This experiment determined the amount of bacterial growth in Tryptic SoyBroth (TSB) by an inhibition assay.

All S. papillosum and S. cristatum moss treatment samples used in thisassay were prepared as described above. TSB was also prepared,autoclaved and stored at 4° C. prior to use.

The following equipment was used:

a) Beckman® DU-64 Spectrophotometer

b) Incubator Oven (commercially available from Boekel Instruments Model#133000)

c) 5 mL and 50 mL Polystyrene Tubes (commercially available from Falcon)

d) 10 μL and 1 mL polypropylene tips (commercially available fromPipetman)

Reagents and Solutions:

a) Bacto® Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), 30 g/L (commercially available fromBecton Dickenson)

b) Escherichia Coli frozen culture stock grown in TSB for a minimum of 3log growth phases (Clinical isolate)

c) Staphylococcus Aureus frozen culture stock grown in TSB for a minimumof 3 log growth phases. (ATCC Strain #29213 (American Type CultureCollection of Manassas, Va.))

d) Distilled Water (commercially available from Premium Water Inc.)

e) TSB treatment sample of S. papillosum moss and New Zealand moss

Procedure:

1) TSB nutrient broth was prepared by adding 30 g/L Bacto® Tryptic SoyBroth to distilled water. The solution was stirred with a stir-bar untilall the powder was dissolved and autoclaved at 121° C. for 20 minutes.The S. papillosum sample was prepared as described in B, above. One mLof the solutions, TSB or moss-treated TSB sample, was pipetted into 3 to5 mL polystyrene test tubes.

2) Frozen aliquots of E. coli and S. aureus stored at −20° C. wereallowed to thaw to room temperature. Once thawed, 100 μL of eachbacterial stock was added to a 10 mL aliquot of TSB. Each tube was thencapped, thoroughly mixed, labeled and placed in the incubator at 37° C.

3) Ten μL of bacteria stock was pipetted into the one mL solutions andthe tubes were incubated at 37° C. for the desired time. One tube ineach sample and time point did not receive bacteria in order to serve asthe blank.

4) The solutions were removed from the 37° C. oven at the assigned timepoints and placed in an ice bath. Samples were then immediately read onthe spectrophotometer at 550 nm. The absolute OD value was sample minusthe blank. Inhibition was measured as percent decrease in OD value vs.the appropriate TSB control sample.

Example 4

The following data illustrate the effect of treatment of bacterialgrowth media (i.e., Tryptic Soy Broth) with various moss speciesaccording to the procedure in Example 3. Non-sphagnum species are verypoor at preventing E. coli growth. Of the moss tested below, the mosteffective sphagnum mosses to prevent E. coli growth were S. papillosumand S. cristatum. “N” refers to the number of tests, “Range” presentsthe highest and lowest numbers obtained for these tests; and “Mean”refers to the mean value of the tests. % Inhibition of Bacterial GrowthMean N Range Sphagnum Species S. papillosum (MN) 48 10 26-71 S.cristatum (NZ- Sutton Moss) 45 8 31-62 S. magellanicum (WI - Mosser Lee)34 7 21-43 S. fuscum (MN) 20 1 — S. falcatulum (NZ) 7 2  2-11Non-Sphagnum Species Sheet Moss (WI - Mosser Lee) 4 1 — Spanish Moss(WI - Mosser Lee) −2 1 —

Example 5

TSB was treated with S. papillosum and the ability of this solution tosupport bacterial growth was measured according to Example 3. Thepercent inhibition of bacterial growth for E. coli (clinical isolate)and S. aureus (ATCC Strain # 29213) is reported. A TSB Control sampleand moss-treated TSB solutions (MT-TSB) are reported below. The OD of ablank (B) is subtracted from the measured OD (Meas.) of the sample toobtain the reported Value. E. coli S. aureus Test Material B Meas. ValueB Meas. Value TSB 0.063 0.744 0.681 0.063 0.250 0.187 (Control) 0.7260.663 0.257 0.194 Mean 0.672 0.191 SD 0.013 0.005 MT-TSB 0.109 0.6620.553 0.109 0.279 0.170 (5 mg/mL) 0.714 0.605 0.285 0.176 Mean 0.5790.173 SD 0.037 0.004 % Inhibition 13.84 9.19 MT-TSB 0.131 0.575 0.4440.131 0.278 0.147 (10 mg/mL) 0.748 0.617 0.274 0.143 Mean 0.531 0.145 SD0.122 0.003 % Inhibition 21.06 23.88 MT-TSB 0.173 0.662 0.489 0.1730.276 0.101 (25 mg/mL) 0.652 0.479 0.284 0.111 Mean 0.484 0.107 SD 0.0070.006 % Inhibition 27.98 43.83 MT-TSB 0.243 0.599 0.356 0.243 0.3550.112 (50 mg/mL) 0.564 0.321 0.352 0.109 Mean 0.339 0.111 SD 0.025 0.002% Inhibition 49.63 41.99 MT-TSB 0.284 0.388 0.104 0.284 0.361 0.077 (75mg/Ml) 0.430 0.146 0.355 0.071 Mean 0.125 0.074 SD 0.030 0.004 %Inhibition 81.40 61.15 MT-TSB 0.274 0.322 0.048 0.274 0.322 0.048 (100mg/mL) 0.339 0.065 0.310 0.036 Mean 0.057 0.042 SD 0.012 0.008 %Inhibition 91.59 77.95

Example 6

This example demonstrates that treatment with moss does not kill thebacteria but it does inhibit their growth. A fluorescence assay,commercially available from Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg., Kit No.L-7012, was used to determine the viability of bacteria. This systemuses mixtures of green and red fluorescent nucleic acid stains that havediffering ability to penetrate viable and non-viable bacterial cells.The green fluorescent strain, which emits at 500 nm, binds to bothviable and non-viable bacteria. The red fluorescent strain, which emitsat 650 nm, binds only to non-viable bacteria. Therefore, a bacterialsample containing a higher proportion of non-viable bacteria will havean altered staining ratio. The data show that for both E. coli and S.aureus, the ratio of viable to non-viable bacteria remains the same asin the control sample.

Procedure:

1. 100 μL was incubated in 10 mL of media (pH controlled TSB and S.papillosum sample, as prepared in Examples 1 and 2, respectively) for 3hours at 37° C.

2. This mixture was centrifuged to concentrate the bacteria, which wasthen resuspended in 10 mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

3. Three mL of resuspended bacteria were added to each of threecuvettes.

4. 40 μL Styo-9 dye was mixed with 40 μL Propidium Iodide dye. Cautionshould be used as these compounds are believed to be carcinogens.

5. 9 μL of the mixed dye solution was added to each cuvette and storedin the dark for 15 minutes.

6. Two PBS cuvettes were prepared with no dye and two PBS cuvettes wereprepared with dye to be used as blanks.

7. The solutions were mixed thoroughly. The fluorescence intensity ismeasured at 500 nm (with absorption at 480 nm) and at 650 nm (withabsorption at 490 nm). The ratio of these two values relates to thedegree of viability of the bacterial culture.

The following tables report the fluorescence intensity at twowavelengths for bacterial samples in two different media. The intensityof fluorescence at 500 nm over the intensity of the fluorescence at 650nm creates a ratio which relates to the degree of viability of thebacterial culture. The mean of three TSB and three moss-treated TSBsamples (MT-TSB) is reported below. In each case, the percent ofinhibition is compared to a control sample. Media 500 nm 650 nm Ratio500/650 Viability Assay for E. coli (clinical isolate) TSB 505.117 5.78387.3228 MT-TSB of 130.1833 1.5167 85.8352 S. papillosum Viability Assayfor S. aureus (ATCC Strain #29213) TSB 80.117 3.533 22.6745 MT-TSB of45.055 2.0667 21.7984 S. papillosum

The data show that there is no significant change in the ratios betweenTSB and the moss-treated TSB, indicating that the effect of the moss isbacteriostatic rather than bactericidal.

Example 7

Various bacteria were treated with S. papillosum TSB (concentration of50 mg/nL) according to Example 3. The percent inhibition of bacterialgrowth is reported. Both a TSB Control sample and moss-treated TSBsolutions (MT-TSB) are reported below. The “Value” is obtained bysubtracting the optical density (OD) of a blank (B) from the measured OD(Meas.) of a sample.

Two studies were done and are denoted (1) and (2) below. E. coli S.aureus (clinical isolate) ATCC # 29213 Test Material (1) B Meas. Value BMeas. Value TSB 0.034 0.694 0.660 0.034 0.273 0.239 (Control) 0.7180.684 0.257 0.253 Mean 0.672 0.246 SD 0.017 0.010 MT-TSB 0.219 0.5420.323 0.219 0.362 0.143 0.572 0.353 0376 0.157 Mean 0.338 0.150 SD 0.0210.010 % Inhibition 49.7 39.02 E. coli S. aureus Test Material (2) BMeas. Value B Meas. Value TSB 0.043 0.693 0.650 0.043 0.332 0.289(Control) 0.667 0.624 0.327 0.284 Mean 0.637 0.287 SD 0.018 0.004 MT-TSB0.247 0.492 0.245 0.247 0.394 0.147 0.498 0.251 0.428 0.181 Mean 0.2480.164 SD 0.004 0.024 % Inhibition 61.07 42.76 S. epidermidis P.aeruginosa ATTC # 12228 ATTC #10145 Test Material (1) B Meas. Value BMeas. Value TSB 0.034 0.388 0.354 0.034 0.175 0.141 (Control) 0.4120.375 0.167 0.133 Mean 0.366 0.137 SD 0.017 0.006 MT-TSB 0.219 0.5420.323 0.219 0.321 0.102 0.572 0.353 0.331 0.112 Mean 0.338 0.107 SD0.021 0.007 % Inhibition 53.26 21.90 S. epidermidis P. aeruginosa TestMaterial (2) B Meas. Value B Meas. Value TSB 0.043 0.349 0.306 0.0430.204 0.161 (Control) 0.327 0.284 0.186 0.143 Mean 0.295 0.152 SD 0.0160.013 MT-TSB 0.247 0.428 0.181 0.247 0.371 0.124 0.444 0.197 0.340 0.093Mean 0.189 0.109 SD 0.011 0.022 % Inhibition 35.93 28.62 C. albicans A.amsterodami ATTC # 10231 ATTC # 1001 Test Material (1) B Meas. Value BMeas. Value TSB 0.034 0.068 0.034 0.034 0.053 0.019 (Control) 0.0690.035 0.047 0.013 Mean 0.035 0.016 SD 0.001 0.004 MT-TSB 0.219 0.2490.030 0.219 0.231 0.012 0.245 0.026 0.229 0.010 Mean 0.028 0.011 SD0.003 0.001 % Inhibition 18.84 31.25 C. albicans A. amsterodami TestMaterial (2) B Meas. Value B Meas. Value TSB 0.043 0.1019 0.058 0.0430.067 0.024 (Control) 0.057 0.044 0.071 0.028 Mean 0.051 0.026 SD 0.0100.003 MT-TSB 0.247 0.275 0.028 0.247 0.268 0.021 0.292 0.045 0.254 0.007Mean 0.037 0.014 SD 0.012 0.010 % Inhibition 28.43 46.15

Example 8 Effect of Acid Treatment of the Moss

Compressed sticks of S. cristatum moss (obtained from Sutton's Moss,Canada (harvested in New Zealand)) were soaked in four increasingconcentrations of Fe (Fe standard in concentrated HC1, 0, 0.5,5,50 mg/L,available from Ricca Chemicals, Arlington, Tex.) at 50 mg moss/ml indistilled water. The soaked moss was stored overnight at 4 C. The Fesolutions were extracted by syringe, filtered and measured for Fe byinductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry analysis. Theresults showed that the moss bound significant amounts of Fe, up to 15mg/L in the 50 mg/L sample. This experiment was run with distilled waterwashed moss resulting in similar results. However, it was noted that theFe spiked samples had a low pH. Since optimal binding is at pH 4 to 6,we adjusted the pH up to between 4 and 7 on the next experiment. Whenthe pH of the Fe samples was brought up, the Fe started to precipitate.The moss removed all of the Fe from the sample (up to 25 mg/L). It wasthen decided that ions bound to the moss before use could affect thecation binding tests and methods to remove the cations from the mossshould be investigated.

When developing the method for acid washing Sphagnum moss (not peatmoss, which is decomposed moss), two different acids were first used.One batch of moss (approx. 5g) was constantly stirred in 3.5 L ofdistilled water pH adjusted to 1 with concentrated HNO₃. For the otherbatch of moss, a 2% solution of glacial acetic acid was used. The washeswere stirred for 1 hour, then the supernatant was filtered off and newwash solution was put on the moss. This was repeated for a total of fouracid washes. The acid washes were followed by 4 distilled water washescarried out the same way. At the end of the distilled water washes, theconductivity was similar to that of distilled water. The two acidsremoved similar amounts of ions; therefore acetic acid was routinelyused for washing the moss thereafter.

It was decided that a metal that was soluble at neutral pH would bebetter suited to test binding capacity and test for improvement ofbinding with acid washed Sphagnum moss vs. non-washed moss. Calcium waschosen for this purpose. The moss used was the S. cristatum mossdescribed earlier in this example, the acid used was a 2% solution ofglacial acetic acid, and the wash was performed as described in thepreceding paragraph. The first test showed the opposite of what wasexpected, the non-washed moss bound the most and the acid washed mossbound the least. When the pH of the samples was checked, it wasdiscovered that the binding ability correlated with pH. The acid washedmoss reduced the pH of the solutions, which affected the ion binding. Toeliminate this problem, acid washed moss was washed with a high saltsolution to displace the H⁺ ions with Na. The high salt solution was 1Msodium acetate and approximately 5 g of moss was constantly stirred in3.5 L of this sodium acetate solution for one hour, and then the washwas repeated. These two sodium acetate washes were followed by fourwashes with distilled water, each wash for one hour, and each wascarried out the same way. The acid/salt-washed moss was tested; the pHof the extract did not drop and showed a significant improvement ofbinding over distilled water and non-washed moss as can be seen in thefollowing table (concentrations of Ca are in ppm). Starting ResultingMoss treatment [Ca] Average [Ca] Stdev pH Control 0 −1.08 0.61 6.02Acetic Acid, Acetate Washed 0 −0.97 0.45 7.62 No wash 0 −0.14 0.51 5.26Distilled water washed 0 0.36 1.32 5.13 Acetic Acid, Acetate washed 100−1.40 0.25 6.62 No wash 100 11.24 0.00 4.81 Distilled water washed 10016.89 1.17 4.54 Control 100 88.76 0.05 6.65 Acetic Acid, Acetate washed200 −0.33 0.87 6.17 No wash 200 46.47 5.88 4.82 Distilled water washed200 53.55 4.42 4.61 Control 200 198.10 1.83 6.76

The pH of the extracts varied by up to 2 pH units, so it was stilldifficult to distinguish between the effects of acid washing and pH.Therefore a new method to test for binding of the moss was developedthat would allow adjustment of pH while the moss was still in the samplesolutions. This was accomplished by using multi-well plates, small stirbars and 10 mg/ml moss concentrations. After the solutions were on themoss for approximately one-half hour, the pH's of the solutions were alladjusted to within 0.25 pH units of 6.5. This allowed for the testing ofacid/salt washed moss and acid only washed moss. The results are shownbelow. The averages shown are the averages of two samples. StartingResulting Moss treatment [Ca] Average [Ca] Stdev Acetic Acid/Na acetatewashed 0.00 6.93 0.72 Acetic Acid washed 0.00 6.16 0.16 Distilled waterwashed 0.00 6.85 0.31 No wash 0.00 8.54 1.56 Control 0.00 8.10 0.31Acetic Acid/Na acetate washed 100.00 6.78 0.31 Acetic Acid washed 100.006.82 0.26 Distilled water washed 100.00 20.73 1.09 No wash 100.00 26.250.72 Control 100.00 92.27 1.56 Acetic Acid/Na acetate washed 500.00307.28 7.25 Acetic Acid washed 500.00 319.25 8.13 Distilled water washed500.00 375.18 3.36 No wash 500.00 382.85 4.38 Control 500.00 454.30 8.91

With the pH's adjusted to be within 0.5 pH units of each other; the pHeffect is eliminated and the significantly improved binding capacity ofthe acid washed mosses can be seen. The acid/salt washed moss boundslightly better than the acid only washed moss and the distilled washedslightly better than the non-washed moss, but barely enough to besignificant.

Thus, the moss was shown to bind both Fe and Ca ions, and therefore iseffective in water treatment because the removal of one or both of theseions is a goal of water treatment.

The above description and the drawings are provided for the purpose ofdescribing embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention in any way. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A device for use in water comprising: (i) a carrier having aninterior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egressfrom the interior cavity; and (ii) a moss contained within the interiorcavity, wherein the carrier completely encloses the moss.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a float.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a float and a cylindrical portionbeneath the float, the cylindrical portion having an interior cavity andone or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interiorcavity.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the moss is enclosed within amesh bag.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises one ormore weights.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the moss isnon-decomposed moss.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss issphagnum moss.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss is selectedfrom the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum,and mixtures thereof.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the moss issphagnum papillosum.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the moss issphagnum cristatum.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the mosscomprises sphagnum papillosum only.
 12. The device of claim 8, whereinthe moss comprises sphagnum cristatum only.
 13. The device of claim 8,wherein the moss comprises a mixture of sphagnum papillosum and sphagnumcristatum only.
 14. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss iscompressed.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the moss is in the formof strips.
 16. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss has beensterilized.
 17. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss has been washedwith an acidic solution.
 18. The device of claim 6, wherein the moss hasbeen washed with a solution of acetic acid.
 19. The device of claim 6,wherein the moss has been washed with an acidic solution and then washedwith a salt solution.
 20. A method of inhibiting microorganism growthcomprising placing in water susceptible to microorganism growth a devicefor inhibiting microorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i)a carrier having an interior cavity and one or more openings allowingingress to and egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a mosscontained within the interior cavity, wherein the carrier completelyencloses the moss, and wherein the device comprises an amount of themoss effective to inhibit microorganism growth in the water.
 21. Themethod of claim 20, wherein the carrier comprises a float.
 22. Themethod of claim 20, wherein the carrier comprises a float and acylindrical portion beneath the float, the cylindrical portion having aninterior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egressfrom the interior cavity.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein thecarrier comprises one or more weights.
 24. The method of claim 20,wherein the moss is enclosed within a mesh bag.
 25. The method of claim20, wherein the moss is non-decomposed moss.
 26. The method of claim 20,wherein the moss is sphagnum moss.
 27. The method of claim 25, whereinthe moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum,sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.
 28. The method of claim 27,wherein the moss is sphagnum papillosum.
 29. The method of claim 27,wherein the moss is sphagnum cristatum.
 30. The method of claim 27,wherein the moss comprises sphagnum papillosum only.
 31. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the moss comprises sphagnum cristatum only.
 32. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the moss comprises a mixture of sphagnumpapillosum and sphagnum cristatum only.
 33. The method of claim 20,wherein the moss is compressed.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein themoss is in the form of strips.
 35. The method of claim 25, wherein themoss has been sterilized.
 36. The method of claim 25, wherein the mosshas been washed with an acidic solution.
 37. The method of claim 25,wherein the moss has been washed with a solution of acetic acid.
 38. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the moss has been washed with an acidicsolution and then washed with a salt solution.
 39. The method of claim20, wherein the water is in a spa.
 40. The method of claim 20, whereinthe water is in a pool.
 41. The method of claim 20, wherein the water isin an aquarium.
 42. The method of claim 20, wherein the water is pumpedthrough the device.
 43. A kit comprising sterilized, non-decomposed mossand a device for use in water comprising a carrier having an interiorcavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egress from theinterior cavity, wherein the interior cavity can completely enclose themoss.
 44. The kit of claim 43, wherein the carrier comprises a float.45. The kit of claim 43, wherein the carrier comprises a float and acylindrical portion beneath the float, the cylindrical portion having aninterior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress to and egressfrom the interior cavity.
 46. The kit of claim 43, wherein the carriercomprises one or more weights.
 47. The kit of claim 43, wherein the mossis enclosed within a mesh bag.
 48. The kit of claim 43, wherein the mossis sphagnum moss.
 49. The kit of claim 43, wherein the moss is selectedfrom the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum,and mixtures thereof.
 50. The kit of claim 49, wherein the moss issphagnum papillosum.
 51. The kit of claim 49, wherein the moss issphagnum cristatum.
 52. The kit of claim 49, wherein the moss comprisessphagnum papillosum only.
 53. The kit of claim 49, wherein the mosscomprises sphagnum cristatum only.
 54. The kit of claim 49, wherein themoss comprises a mixture of sphagnum papillosum and sphagnum cristatumonly.
 55. The kit of claim 43, wherein the moss is compressed.
 56. Thekit of claim 55, wherein the moss is in the form of strips.
 57. The kitof claim 43, wherein the moss has been sterilized.
 58. The kit of claim43, wherein the moss has been washed with an acidic solution.
 59. Thekit of claim 43, wherein the moss has been washed with a solution ofacetic acid.
 60. The kit of claim 43, wherein the moss has been washedwith an acidic solution and then washed with a salt solution.
 61. Thekit of claim 43, further comprising one or more pH test strips.
 62. Thekit of claim 43, further comprising potassium monopersulfate.
 63. Amethod of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising placing in watersusceptible to microorganism growth a device for inhibitingmicroorganism growth in water, the device comprising: (i) a carrierhaving an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress toand egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a moss contained withinthe interior cavity, wherein the carrier completely encloses the moss,wherein the device comprises an amount of the moss effective to inhibitmicroorganism growth in the water, and periodically shocking the waterwith an appropriate chemical agent.
 64. The method of claim 63, whereinthe chemical agent is potassium monopersulfate.
 65. A method of treatingwater comprising placing in water a device comprising: (i) a carrierhaving an interior cavity and one or more openings allowing ingress toand egress from the interior cavity; and (ii) a moss contained withinthe interior cavity, wherein the carrier completely encloses the moss,and wherein the device comprises an amount of the moss effective toremove cations other than hydrogen ions from the water.
 66. The methodof claim 65, wherein the cations are calcium ions.
 67. The method ofclaim 66, wherein substantially all of the calcium ions are removed fromthe water.
 68. The method of claim 65, wherein the cations are ironions.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein substantially all of thecalcium ions are removed from the water.
 70. The method of claim 65,wherein the carrier comprises a float.
 71. The method of claim 65,wherein the carrier comprises a float and a cylindrical portion beneaththe float, the cylindrical portion having an interior cavity and one ormore openings allowing ingress to and egress from the interior cavity.72. The method of claim 65, wherein the carrier comprises one or moreweights.
 73. The method of claim 65, wherein the moss is enclosed withina mesh bag.
 74. The method of claim 65, wherein the moss isnon-decomposed moss.
 75. The method of claim 65, wherein the moss issphagnum moss.
 76. The method of claim 65, wherein the moss is selectedfrom the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum,and mixtures thereof.
 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the moss issphagnum papillosum.
 78. The method of claim 76, wherein the moss issphagnum cristatum.
 79. The method of claim 76, wherein the mosscomprises sphagnum papillosum only.
 80. The method of claim 76, whereinthe moss comprises sphagnum cristatum only.
 81. The method of claim 76,wherein the moss comprises a mixture of sphagnum papillosum and sphagnumcristatum only.
 82. The method of claim 65, wherein the moss iscompressed.
 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the moss is in the formof strips.
 84. The method of claim 74, wherein the moss has beensterilized.
 85. The method of claim 74, wherein the moss has been washedwith an acidic solution.
 86. The method of claim 74, wherein the mosshas been washed with a solution of acetic acid.
 87. The method of claim74, wherein the moss has been washed with an acidic solution and thenwashed with a salt solution.
 88. The method of claim 65, wherein thewater is in a spa.
 89. The method of claim 65, wherein the water is in apool.
 90. The method of claim 65, wherein the water is in an aquarium.91. The method of claim 65, wherein the water is pumped through thedevice.